When you have cancer there are many reasons that sleep is difficult, yet it is so important. During sleep the body is able to heal and regenerate at its most effective.
Causes of sleeplessness, when you are dealing with cancer, are fairly self evident. You may have trouble shutting off your mind, you have many thoughts of: what if, what now, how can it be, and a million other things. You may be overtired, you may be on steroids (which can cause sleeplessness on their own), you may have your days and nights mixed up (too long or too many naps during the day), or you may not be getting enough exercise.
I know when I tell people they need exercise I get a lot of dirty looks. I do understand you may be fatigued (plain old tired) and I also know that exercise can be helpful in relieving that tiredness. Cancer nurses and patients have known that exercise gives people a sense of well being. So there have been studies done on the effects of exercise during cancer and cancer treatment. These have proven that 10 to 20 minutes of exercise every day or every other day help people feel better and improve people’s out look on life and may help you sleep better.
When you have cancer, naps are tempting for sure, and of course, you may nap. Here are hints for not getting your days and night mixed up. Your bed is for night time, if you can, nap on the couch or in a comfortable chair this is better for you. It will help you remember you are napping, not going for a long sleep. A nap is just an hour or two of rest not a marathon sleep. When you are tired try sitting at an activity. This may be watching TV, reading, crafting, or visiting with friends and family.
If you are taking steroids as part of your cancer treatment and they are keeping you awake, talk to your oncology doctor, your doctor is very aware of this problem. The doctor may prescribe a sleeping medication. You may want to try some of these suggestions in addition to sleeping medications. Don’t give up, there is help for you.
Shutting your mind off from the thoughts of dealing with cancer that keep you awake, or wake you up after just a short time sleeping can be a real problem. It may take awhile to find what will work for you. Some people find that a routine before bed helps. A shower or a bath, a cup of chamomile tea, or warm milk along with a set bedtime has worked for many people.
Another thing to try is to set a time earlier in the day to worry and fret about your cancer. This may sound silly but it works for some people. Make this time useful by listing what you are worrying about. Then find ideas that will make these problems smaller. Your ideas for solutions can be silly; humor can ease stress all by itself. Laughter is a wonderful thing. During your worrying time make a point of being positive, this may be difficult at first, when you are dealing with cancer but, it does get easier with practice. Plan for your future after cancer during your worrying time. Take care of things that need to be taken care of, this will make your list of worries smaller. And give you the satisfaction of accomplishment.
If you fall asleep then awaken at night try getting up out of bed. While you are up try reading, crossword puzzles, TV and my favorite praying. When we pray we are turning our troubles over to the Lord, He is the One who can take care of everything in the best possible way.
Cancer causes the feeling that you are out of control but you can control how you react to this “loss of control”. Remember that cancer counseling is available and can be very helpful. Talk to people at cancer support groups about what helps them sleep and share what works for you.
Cancer is a bump in the road of your life’s journey. You didn’t plan for it but it doesn’t have to be all there is in your life.
SWEET DREAMS MY FRIEND.
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